Foolproof Vignettes: 3 Arrangements You Can't Mess Up

Vignettes aren't exactly rocket science, but they are a vital element to rooms that are sophisticated and good-looking. If you still haven't felt like you've mastered the making of one or are just looking for fool-proof ideas you can use in your next one, check out these three arrangements for vignettes that always look great.

1. Balanced and bold

(Pictured above) Anchor the vignette with a bold, bright and big favorite art piece that's hanging or leaning in the center of your composition. Arrange a variety of elements — from plants, to lamps to smaller accessories like figurines — on either side of the art piece. You're not looking to match each side exactly; that would be a bit too formal. Look instead to cultivate a visual balance between each two groupings. You can do that by playing with size, amount of elements and color. This vignette spotted on Domaine Home.

2. High/low

Take a series of your favorite things and arrange them on your table top or credenza evenly and across the entire width. You're not looking to line things up exactly, but you are looking for a somewhat even display of visual weight, though it doesn't have to be perfect. Aim for a top height of these elements to be no higher than the visual volume of the furniture piece you're arranging on. Too low of an arrangement, and your vignette will feel too diminutive. Then, add an element up high to startle and delight. Can be centered or off-center, like the image above. The vignette above went even more bold by adding a large high element very off-center. You can do what feels good for you, just think of this vignette as two stacked planes or levels that you play around with. This arrangement seen on Happy Interior Blog.

3. Uneven and unusual

Like the name sounds, you're not going for balance here, so don't worry about trying to line things up or visually weigh stuff. Pick a side and arrange more elements on that side than the other. You can just stick to the tabletop or extend to the wall, as well. But don't ignore the other side altogether; add something to bring a little bit of visual weight. If it's something colorful, keep it small. If it's something tall, make it something light in color. You want to maintain the composition's off-centerness for interest, but add a little weight so it doesn't feel like it's about to visually tip over. Spotted on Sfgirlbybay.